District 15 Senate race quiet for Barto, Grenier

Economy, jobs top issues for candidates

A quiet campaign in Legislative District 15 has allowed state Sen. Nancy Barto, R-Phoenix, to focus on learning about the federal health-care overhaul and how to lower its cost or to stop it.

Barto is being challenged by Libertarian Dennis Grenier for the Senate seat in a district that covers a large portion of north Phoenix. Of the 118,605 registered voters, 52,180 are Republicans, 26,921 are Democrats and more than 38,503 are independents or belong to other parties.

No Democrat is on the ballot.

Barto raised $41,655 in campaign funds while Grenier has yet to file a report, according to campaign-spending reports.

Though both candidates say the economy and growing jobs are top issues, the race has been far from heated.

"I think, for me, I haven't had much of a race at all," Barto said. "It's been a real blessing. Without a primary opponent and no Democratic opponent, I feel very supported by my constituents."

Grenier said it is difficult for a candidate running as a Libertarian to draw attention normally reserved for Republican and Democrat candidates.

"You are running against the wind, it's a tough go," Grenier said. "One issue I had with Clean Election ... we didn't have a debate,'' he said. "They scheduled a debate for Legislative District 15 (for Senate and House) and none for this race."

Candidates running as "Clean Elections" candidates, which qualifies them for state funds, are obligated to participate in debates sponsored by the state Clean Elections Commission.

The candidates

Nancy Barto

Party: Republican.

Occupation: Legislator.

Background/experience: Served three terms in the House of Representatives following appointment to the seat in 2006; Republican legislative district chairman; precinct committeeman. Previously homemaker and public policy advocate.